A petty hint about passports

[Patanawet]

If you carry your passport with you-- and you shouldn't-- it is your most precious thing when abroad, a nice plastic cover for it which kept my last one pristine for ten years is the bankbook cover.
Just ask for them in your bank.
At least it worked for my UK passport with SCB cover.
You only need to carry a COPY of your documents whatever the money grabbing B.I.B. may tell you.

[unicorn]

1 hour ago, Patanawet said:

...You only need to carry a COPY of your documents whatever the money grabbing B.I.B. may tell you.

That depends on the country, obviously. Some actually do require foreigners have their actual passports on them (though it's probably not going to lead to serious trouble if one has only a copy in most cases). 

• China (People’s Republic of China)
  • Foreigners are required to carry passports; police can demand identification. Local regulations often require presentation during checks.
• Singapore
  • Foreigners must carry passports or valid identity documents; police have authority to require ID.
• South Korea
  • Foreigners are expected to carry passports or an Alien Registration Card (ARC). Police may request ID.
• Japan
  • While residents use the Residence Card, short-term visitors should carry passports; authorities can request ID for immigration/police checks.
• United Arab Emirates (including Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
  • Foreigners must carry passports or Emirates ID (if resident); police may demand ID; fines or detention possible for non-compliance.
• Saudi Arabia
  • Foreigners must carry passports or iqama (residency permit) and present to authorities on demand.
• Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman
  • Similar Gulf practice: foreigners expected to carry passport or residency permit (iqama/permit) and present to police/immigration upon request.
• Turkey
  • Visitors are required to have passports available when requested by police; residents carry residence permits.
• Egypt
  • Foreigners must have passport or travel documents; police/authorities can request ID.
• Thailand
  • Foreigners must carry passports or national ID/entry documents; police conduct spot checks and fines for failure to produce passport/reporting requirements for overstays/registration.
• Vietnam
  • Law requires foreigners to carry passports or temporary residence permits and present them to police upon request.
• Malaysia
  • Foreigners must carry passports or valid identity documents; routine checks occur.
• Indonesia
  • Foreigners must carry passports; police/immigration can request ID.
• India
  • No universal statute forcing all foreigners to carry passports at all times, but in practice authorities (police, immigration) can require proof of identity; certain states or situations (e.g., protected areas) have stricter checks.
• Pakistan
  • Foreigners expected to carry passports and visas/registration; police/immigration checks enforced.
• Iran
  • Foreign nationals are required to carry passports and visas/permits; presenting to authorities is required.
• Many African states (examples)
  • South Africa: foreigners required to carry passports or valid permits; police checks common.
  • Kenya: foreigners must carry passports/permits; immigration and police checks frequent.
  • Nigeria: foreigners should carry passports; enforcement varies.
• Latin America (examples)
  • Cuba: strict about carrying passport and tourist card for visitors.
  • Some countries (e.g., Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia) commonly require visitors to be able to produce passport/entry stamp when requested—practice varies by location and enforcement.
• Source: https://www.quora.com/Which-countries-require-foreigners-to-carry-passports-at-all-times

[Moses]

US:

8 U.S.C. § 1304(e)

Quote

“Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him pursuant to subsection (d).”

8 C.F.R. § 264.1

Quote

“The following forms constitute evidence of registration: … I-94..."

[vinapu]

I wonder what rules are for North Korea.

I personally don't carry passport with me most of the times , Thailand or any country, but always have drivers licence in case I need to be identified i.e. hit by the bus. I understand it may be risky and lead to problems with police but losing passport is BIG inconvenience so I rather keep it in the safe. 

statistically speaking last time I was stopped by police and asked for ID was in early 90ties in my own city. It looks I  looked similar to somebody police was actively searching in the area.

As for USA nowadays , yes , with all that illegal immigrants hunting instigated by What Is His Name ? , if one doesn't look like WASP  he better carry something with him as painfully  legal resident sent to El Salvador learned.  

[PeterRS]

Being here on a long term visa, my answer is simple. I take a photo of my passport details page and another of the visa. I cut to size, back one to another and then have it laminated. I always carry that in my backpack or back pocket. There are shops offering lamination all over the place, even one on Saladaeng just before you come to Senso.

I realise this is less easy for those here on short trips visa free. Then it is the arrival stamp the police are interested in. So just a quick photo copy of that and the details page should suffice. No need to risk losing your passport and it saves a trip to a police station if for any reason they ask for it.

[TMax]

I have never carried my passport around with me when overseas except for the currency exchanges that require the passport and then it goes straight back to the room safe after the transaction, I carry my driver's license and a photocopy of my passport information page and visa / stamp page. On my last trip to Bangkok X-One currency exchange accepted the photocopy as identification. I also have my passport in an RFID sleeve which helps to keep it in very good condition.